Event supports medical needs of war-torn Syria

A group of Syrian expatriates is sponsoring an event in central
Ohio this weekend to support those affected by the civil war in their home
country.

The "Urgent Appeal: Humanitarian Crisis in Syria" event
features Usama Abu Rashid, the editor-in-chief of Al-Mizan newspaper, and Dr. Anas Alkassem, a
board member of the Syrian Expatriates Org.

Activists say at least 14,000 people have died since a March
2011 uprising called for President Bashar Assad to leave power. The government responded with
a brutal crackdown that has led to increased militarization of the rebels.

Dr. Maher Azzouz, a Syrian native and an associate
professor at Ohio State University's medical school, said Sunday's event will support
urgent medical needs of the injured and displaced.